Where to get license plate stickers
License plate stickers come from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — the same place you renew your vehicle registration. You cannot buy them from a private vendor or online retailer. When your registration is due to renew, the DMV mails you a renewal notice with instructions specific to your state, and you complete the renewal through them to receive your stickers.
Most states now let you renew by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. The method you choose does not change where the stickers come from — they always arrive from the state. Some states mail the stickers to you automatically once your renewal is processed. Others require you to pick them up in person or at an authorized agent location, which might be a local tag office, courthouse, or auto shop that handles DMV transactions.
The renewal notice you receive in the mail tells you which method your state uses and what important date you are working toward. If you do not receive a notice, contact your state DMV directly — they can tell you whether your registration is due and walk you through the renewal steps for your state.
Key Takeaways
- License plate stickers are issued only by your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency when you renew your vehicle registration.
- Most states mail renewal notices 30 to 60 days before your registration expires, with instructions for renewing by mail, online, or in person.
- Some states mail stickers directly to your address once renewal is complete, while others require you to pick them up at a DMV office or authorized agent.
- If you do not receive a renewal notice, contact your state DMV to confirm your registration due date and learn your state's renewal process.
- Renewing on time keeps you from driving with expired registration, which can result in a traffic stop and fine.
How to renew your registration and get stickers
The first step is to find out when your registration expires. Look at your current license plate stickers — they show the month and year. You can also check your renewal notice if you have received one, or log into your state DMV's website and enter your vehicle information to see your expiration date.
Once you know the important date, follow your state's renewal process. Most states offer three routes: renewing online through the DMV website (fastest, usually takes a few days), renewing by mail using the renewal notice that arrives in your mailbox, or renewing in person at a DMV office. Each state's process is different, so check your state DMV's website or the renewal notice itself for the exact steps and what documents or fees you need.
After you submit your renewal and payment, the DMV processes it. Some states mail the stickers to your address within one to two weeks. Others require you to pick them up at a DMV office or an authorized agent location — the renewal notice or confirmation email will tell you which applies to you. Once you receive the stickers, you affix them to your license plate in the location shown on the sticker itself, usually the upper right corner.
What happens if you miss the renewal important date
Driving with expired registration is a traffic violation in every state. If you are stopped by police, you can receive a fine, and in some states the fine increases the longer your registration has been expired. You may also be required to show proof that you have renewed before the fine is dismissed.
If your registration has expired but you have already submitted your renewal, keep a copy of your confirmation email or receipt in your vehicle. This shows you have taken action, and many officers will not issue a ticket if renewal is in progress. However, the safest approach is to renew before the expiration date on your current stickers.
If you realize your registration has expired and you have not yet renewed, renew when ready through your state DMV. Most states allow you to renew up to a certain period after expiration (often 30 days) without penalty, though you should confirm this with your state. Do not drive on expired registration any longer than necessary.
Renewing by mail versus online
Renewing by mail is straightforward if you have received a renewal notice. You fill out the form included in the notice, include your payment, and mail it to the address shown. Processing typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives it, plus mail time on both ends. You will receive your stickers by mail once processing is complete.
Renewing online is faster — most states process online renewals within a few days, and some issue temporary registration when ready so you can drive while waiting for physical stickers. You log into your state DMV's website, enter your vehicle and payment information, and submit. You will receive a confirmation email, and the stickers arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Online renewal requires you to have your current registration information and a valid payment method.
Choose online renewal if you are close to your expiration date and want the fastest processing. Choose mail renewal if you prefer not to enter payment information online or if you do not have internet access. Both methods result in the same stickers from the same state agency.
What to do if you never received a renewal notice
If your registration is due to expire soon and you have not received a renewal notice in the mail, contact your state DMV directly. The notice may have been lost in the mail, or your address on file with the DMV may be incorrect. A DMV representative can confirm your expiration date and tell you how to renew.
You can renew without the notice — you do not need the physical form to renew online or in person. Go to your state DMV's website and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current license plate number, and driver's license number. If you prefer to renew in person, bring your current registration and a valid ID to a DMV office.
Update your address with the DMV at the same time if you have moved recently. This ensures future renewal notices reach you on time.
Renewing registration for a vehicle you recently bought
If you recently purchased a vehicle, you will receive a new registration and stickers from the DMV after you complete the title transfer and registration process. This is separate from renewing an existing registration. The DMV will assign a new expiration date based on your state's system — some states expire all registrations on your birthday, others on a set month, and some base it on when you register.
You will receive your new stickers in the mail once the registration is processed, usually within two to four weeks. In the meantime, you may receive a temporary registration document that allows you to drive legally. Affix your new stickers to your new license plate once they arrive.
If you are unsure whether your new vehicle's registration has been processed, contact your state DMV or check your account online if your state offers that option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy license plate stickers from anywhere other than the DMV?
No. License plate stickers are issued only by your state's DMV or motor vehicle agency. You cannot purchase them from a private business, online retailer, or any other source. If a website claims to sell stickers directly, it is not legitimate.
What if I lost my stickers or they are damaged?
Contact your state DMV and request a replacement. You will typically need to pay a small replacement fee and provide your vehicle information. The DMV will mail new stickers to you, or you may be able to pick them up at an office depending on your state.
Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it entirely by mail or online?
Most states allow you to renew entirely by mail or online without visiting an office. Check your renewal notice or your state DMV's website to see which methods are available in your state. Some states require in-person renewal only in certain situations, such as if your vehicle information has changed significantly.
How long do stickers take to arrive after I renew online?
Processing time varies by state, but most states mail stickers within one to two weeks after online renewal is processed. Some states process online renewals within 24 hours. Check your confirmation email or your state DMV's website for the specific timeline in your state.
What if my registration expires while I am waiting for new stickers?
If you have submitted your renewal before the expiration date, keep your confirmation email or receipt in your vehicle. This shows you have taken action to renew. Many states also issue temporary registration that you can print and display while waiting for physical stickers. Check your confirmation email or state DMV website for whether this option is available to you.